India–Japan exercise Dharma Guardian begins at Chaubattia
The 7th edition of the India–Japan joint military exercise 'Dharma Guardian' began at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, on 24 February 2026 and runs until 9 March.
Summary
The 7th edition of the India–Japan joint military exercise 'Dharma Guardian' began at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, on 24 February 2026 and runs until 9 March. Each side fields 120 personnel: the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) sends troops of its 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army troops from the Ladakh Scouts. The annual exercise, held alternately in India and Japan, focuses on joint operations in a semi-urban environment, including a temporary operating base, an ISR grid, cordon-and-search, heliborne operations and house-intervention drills.
Key facts
- Dates
- 24 February–9 March 2026
- Venue
- Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand
- Edition
- 7th
- Contingents
- 120 each — JGSDF 32nd Infantry Regiment; Ladakh Scouts
- Format
- Annual, alternately in India and Japan
- Focus
- Semi-urban joint operations
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Exercise Dharma Guardian, which began on 24 February 2026, is held between India and which country?
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Correct answer: D — Japan
Dharma Guardian is the India–Japan joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the JGSDF.
Where was the 7th edition of Exercise Dharma Guardian held in 2026?
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Correct answer: A — Chaubattia, Uttarakhand
It was held at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia, Uttarakhand, from 24 February to 9 March 2026.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Dharma Guardian 2026: 1. The Indian Army contingent was drawn from the Ladakh Scouts. 2. The exercise is held every year in India only. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The annual exercise is held alternately in India and Japan.